RL says, what if i cast dispel magic on it and we throw the hand into a fire to see if it can be destroyed, I dont fancy something like that existing in the world
RL says, what if i cast dispel magic on it and we throw the hand into a fire to see if it can be destroyed, I dont fancy something like that existing in the world
Esa replies "It's worth a shot, but we better be quick, it's going to find its way out of that net soon!"
RL says, what if i cast dispel magic on it and we throw the hand into a fire to see if it can be destroyed, I dont fancy something like that existing in the world
Esa replies "It's worth a shot, but we better be quick, it's going to find its way out of that net soon!"
RL says, what if i cast dispel magic on it and we throw the hand into a fire to see if it can be destroyed, I dont fancy something like that existing in the world
Esa replies "It's worth a shot, but we better be quick, it's going to find its way out of that net soon!"
Can anyone pick it up with magic?
Esa makes a gesture which you all now are familiar with, it is the fey equivalent of a facepalm.
"Of course, I should have thought of that!" She then goes on to scold herself in Sylvan. Then says "I can use mage hand. It will not be too heavy."
"I can go get wood from my woodpile," said Shepherd. She disappears down the corridor and you hear her going up the hole using the rope. While she is gone Augustin wraps up Beaumont's stump which has stopped bleeding thanks to the paladin's lay on hands. While the wound is healed, Beaumont admits there is still some pain. Now the influence of the hand is gone, he now looks more like a starved and neglected half-elf than some wild, evil creature.
Meanwhile the cursed claw escaped the net but is now being held aloft by Esa'smage hand spell. Without anything to push off, the hand is helpless.
Shepherd reappears some minutes later with a sack of firewood.
Between searing smite, dispel magic, fire bolt, a small pile of flaming wood, and violent action, the smoking hand becomes a still, broken, burnt thing lying amongst the coals. Everyone looks at the charred mess, almost not recognizable as a hand any more, as if worried it would suddenly heal and scuttle off. It doesn't. Esa does a detect magic and states it is no longer radiating magic.
Augustin is overcome by a wave of tiredness following the destruction of the hand and subsequent items. He suggests it is time for a bit of rest, recuperation and (more importantly), following the sealing of the entrance to this little dungeon.
"Oh, no sealing," said Shepherd. "This would make a perfect storage area for food products and wine, now that it's been cleared. We've looked in every room and there's no other threats."
"I'm certainly not spending eight hours in a small extra-dimensional space!" announces Esa. "You know how much the dwarf farts. It'd smell like a pile of orc underwear in there in no time!"
She turns and flies towards the entrance with Shepherd following.
Eventually everyone leaves Shepherd's undercroft. The trap door is put back in place. Beaumont looks around the shack as he emerges.
"There used to be a much grander, stone mansion here," he remarks.
"There's lots of stones from that mansion around," replied Shepherd, "some make up my storage shed, some contribute to my fences. I can make use of more, with a bit of help."
Everyone greets Rollo, Shepherd's dog, who is overjoyed to see everyone. Shepherd watches Rollo's interaction with interest, but the dog greets him the same as anyone he hasn't met before, with cautious friendliness.
Shepherd gets busy cooking dinner for everyone, accepting help from whoever offers it. Spiced mutton and vegetables. She's an ok cook, and the party can see the meal depletes her food stores significantly.
It is cold outside as the sun goes down, and there is no moon. Grimbald starts a fire outside for everyone to sit around to eat. Shepherd does not have enough wooden bowls for everyone, so some have to eat out of pots or from their own camping gear. As she serves the meal Shepherd suggests everyone make camp inside her shack. Esa looks at the confined space and then looks at Grimbald pointedly.
Augustin contemplates the sheer number of tasks the group can attend too. His internal dialogue working overtime to process everything at this quite moment of relative rest.
“It appears there are spot fires everywhere. Harken Heart and Forest, Hammerfast, bandits across seemingly everywhere and seemingly slavery going on with the lands. Plus, whatever is going on with the Iron Circle currently, at least there quite. Oh, and how could he forget the Primal Sprits that govern seemingly everything from the Sun and the Moon to the bloody pond in the keep.”
He continues to eat and relax and laugh with the group, trying his best not to show the internal conflict he is currently experiencing.
“It’s easy when your choices are limited. Cut off the hand, have Beaumont work the yard with Shephard to pay her back for her help with Esa. Tangible benefit for tangible gain. Our ledger is very much within the black with everyone we have come across. We owe no one nothing, yet I still feel we owe a debt.”
He briefly (and noticeably) disassociates from the conversation around him.
“Is this what I signed up for, and if I did, with whom did I sign it with. This Oath, this Pledge, this agreement to uphold our values and traditions. To protect the people, the land and our way of life. Provide justice for the innocents and what… divine judgement… to those who seek to impose their will upon the unwilling.”
He snaps back to reality with a laugh after someone notices his lack of attention.
“Divine judgement…. What does that even mean? Must have heard it from somewhere and it sounded right. There is no god that would… or should approve of everything that we…I.. have done over the past 100 days. Who knows how many lives I have cut short in such a period of time? Who’s to say who is right and wrong here?”
He looks around the table at each of his travelling partners.
“No god would sanction this. But this group…mob… what do we even call ourselves? A Party? Perhaps we should discuss THAT first. Rely on me. Depend on me. To keep them alive, safe and protected. Without them I am nothing, just a bag of muscles in a suit of armour with a penchant for rash decisions.”
Augustin finds himself rubbing his still aching leg.
“And apparently some kind of death wish. If this….these people can find the good in me and trust my judgement… perhaps others do too… As long as I keep the trust of those here, then surely, I must be doing the right thing by everyone else too. Until told otherwise, that is all who can judge me, those here today. My Oath is to protect those hear and what they value. That is the bar that I hold myself too.”
Augustin clears his throat and stands up, offering a toast.
“To each of you here now. Our ledgers are clear. We owe no one anything and have given back more than we could ever be repaid. Your judgement guides me to make the best decisions for each and everyone of you which in turn protects the hopes, ideals and lifestyles of those in the Nentir Vale. My Oath was not just to the elves, but to those there that day, and as long as I walk a path that keeps your faith and trust in me, I will continue to do everything I can to maintain it. May the rest of the world hear of the Tales in the Nentir Vale. May those in the Vale know they can rely on us to stand up for what is true, right and just. To protect them, their homes and their beliefs from the tyranny and oppression of others. And to those in front of me, should your faith in me remain strong, I will always protect you. To the….ahhhh….”
Augustin goes to finish off his speech, however, stumbles over the fact the group does not have a name. The silence hangs in the air until someone punctuates it with a suggestion.
Augustin returns to his thoughts.
“Help the Vale help themselves, give them the courage and freedom to make their own decisions. I will not be around forever to do so. They need to have the strength and foundation to move forward.”
Although he has no answer to Augustins speech, Vakiel will take some time around the campfire to explain the difference to RL about killing for food, the killing we have done & murdering folk.
"I thought we were the Defenders of Harkenwold? Or was it just Harken Village? Or was it Albridge? Maybe we should be The Undeniables? We're undeniably successful, undeniably stupid at times - although we don't know that until after the fact - undeniably impulsive, undeniably different to most delvers, undeniably good intentioned."
RL says, what if i cast dispel magic on it and we throw the hand into a fire to see if it can be destroyed, I dont fancy something like that existing in the world
Esa replies "It's worth a shot, but we better be quick, it's going to find its way out of that net soon!"
Can anyone pick it up with magic?
Esa makes a gesture which you all now are familiar with, it is the fey equivalent of a facepalm.
"Of course, I should have thought of that!" She then goes on to scold herself in Sylvan. Then says "I can use mage hand. It will not be too heavy."
Augustin can quite happily help smash this thing into oblivion with two level two spell slots. If the fire doesn’t help.
Is there enough wood to create a fire down here? It might keep the had contained better if it only has 1 escape route
"I can go get wood from my woodpile," said Shepherd. She disappears down the corridor and you hear her going up the hole using the rope. While she is gone Augustin wraps up Beaumont's stump which has stopped bleeding thanks to the paladin's lay on hands. While the wound is healed, Beaumont admits there is still some pain. Now the influence of the hand is gone, he now looks more like a starved and neglected half-elf than some wild, evil creature.
Meanwhile the cursed claw escaped the net but is now being held aloft by Esa's mage hand spell. Without anything to push off, the hand is helpless.
Shepherd reappears some minutes later with a sack of firewood.
When the fire is nice and hot RL will cast Dispel Magic on the cursed hand
Augustin is standing by ready to Searing Smite on his staff and then smash the thing (or subsequent nasty) with his Sceptre if required.
Between searing smite, dispel magic, fire bolt, a small pile of flaming wood, and violent action, the smoking hand becomes a still, broken, burnt thing lying amongst the coals. Everyone looks at the charred mess, almost not recognizable as a hand any more, as if worried it would suddenly heal and scuttle off. It doesn't. Esa does a detect magic and states it is no longer radiating magic.
Augustin is overcome by a wave of tiredness following the destruction of the hand and subsequent items. He suggests it is time for a bit of rest, recuperation and (more importantly), following the sealing of the entrance to this little dungeon.
"Oh, no sealing," said Shepherd. "This would make a perfect storage area for food products and wine, now that it's been cleared. We've looked in every room and there's no other threats."
“Well it appears we have a plan” Augustin moves to action it and assist anyone else.
rope trick is up for 8 hours
"I'm certainly not spending eight hours in a small extra-dimensional space!" announces Esa. "You know how much the dwarf farts. It'd smell like a pile of orc underwear in there in no time!"
She turns and flies towards the entrance with Shepherd following.
Eventually everyone leaves Shepherd's undercroft. The trap door is put back in place. Beaumont looks around the shack as he emerges.
"There used to be a much grander, stone mansion here," he remarks.
"There's lots of stones from that mansion around," replied Shepherd, "some make up my storage shed, some contribute to my fences. I can make use of more, with a bit of help."
Everyone greets Rollo, Shepherd's dog, who is overjoyed to see everyone. Shepherd watches Rollo's interaction with interest, but the dog greets him the same as anyone he hasn't met before, with cautious friendliness.
Shepherd gets busy cooking dinner for everyone, accepting help from whoever offers it. Spiced mutton and vegetables. She's an ok cook, and the party can see the meal depletes her food stores significantly.
It is cold outside as the sun goes down, and there is no moon. Grimbald starts a fire outside for everyone to sit around to eat. Shepherd does not have enough wooden bowls for everyone, so some have to eat out of pots or from their own camping gear. As she serves the meal Shepherd suggests everyone make camp inside her shack. Esa looks at the confined space and then looks at Grimbald pointedly.
Augustin contemplates the sheer number of tasks the group can attend too. His internal dialogue working overtime to process everything at this quite moment of relative rest.
“It appears there are spot fires everywhere. Harken Heart and Forest, Hammerfast, bandits across seemingly everywhere and seemingly slavery going on with the lands. Plus, whatever is going on with the Iron Circle currently, at least there quite. Oh, and how could he forget the Primal Sprits that govern seemingly everything from the Sun and the Moon to the bloody pond in the keep.”
He continues to eat and relax and laugh with the group, trying his best not to show the internal conflict he is currently experiencing.
“It’s easy when your choices are limited. Cut off the hand, have Beaumont work the yard with Shephard to pay her back for her help with Esa. Tangible benefit for tangible gain. Our ledger is very much within the black with everyone we have come across. We owe no one nothing, yet I still feel we owe a debt.”
He briefly (and noticeably) disassociates from the conversation around him.
“Is this what I signed up for, and if I did, with whom did I sign it with. This Oath, this Pledge, this agreement to uphold our values and traditions. To protect the people, the land and our way of life. Provide justice for the innocents and what… divine judgement… to those who seek to impose their will upon the unwilling.”
He snaps back to reality with a laugh after someone notices his lack of attention.
“Divine judgement…. What does that even mean? Must have heard it from somewhere and it sounded right. There is no god that would… or should approve of everything that we…I.. have done over the past 100 days. Who knows how many lives I have cut short in such a period of time? Who’s to say who is right and wrong here?”
He looks around the table at each of his travelling partners.
“No god would sanction this. But this group…mob… what do we even call ourselves? A Party? Perhaps we should discuss THAT first. Rely on me. Depend on me. To keep them alive, safe and protected. Without them I am nothing, just a bag of muscles in a suit of armour with a penchant for rash decisions.”
Augustin finds himself rubbing his still aching leg.
“And apparently some kind of death wish. If this….these people can find the good in me and trust my judgement… perhaps others do too… As long as I keep the trust of those here, then surely, I must be doing the right thing by everyone else too. Until told otherwise, that is all who can judge me, those here today. My Oath is to protect those hear and what they value. That is the bar that I hold myself too.”
Augustin clears his throat and stands up, offering a toast.
“To each of you here now. Our ledgers are clear. We owe no one anything and have given back more than we could ever be repaid. Your judgement guides me to make the best decisions for each and everyone of you which in turn protects the hopes, ideals and lifestyles of those in the Nentir Vale. My Oath was not just to the elves, but to those there that day, and as long as I walk a path that keeps your faith and trust in me, I will continue to do everything I can to maintain it. May the rest of the world hear of the Tales in the Nentir Vale. May those in the Vale know they can rely on us to stand up for what is true, right and just. To protect them, their homes and their beliefs from the tyranny and oppression of others. And to those in front of me, should your faith in me remain strong, I will always protect you. To the….ahhhh….”
Augustin goes to finish off his speech, however, stumbles over the fact the group does not have a name. The silence hangs in the air until someone punctuates it with a suggestion.
Augustin returns to his thoughts.
“Help the Vale help themselves, give them the courage and freedom to make their own decisions. I will not be around forever to do so. They need to have the strength and foundation to move forward.”
Augustin returns to the conversation at hand.
Although he has no answer to Augustins speech, Vakiel will take some time around the campfire to explain the difference to RL about killing for food, the killing we have done & murdering folk.
Esa wrinkles up her nose.
"I thought we were the Defenders of Harkenwold? Or was it just Harken Village? Or was it Albridge? Maybe we should be The Undeniables? We're undeniably successful, undeniably stupid at times - although we don't know that until after the fact - undeniably impulsive, undeniably different to most delvers, undeniably good intentioned."
We could be DunDvv (Dundee) Defenders of the Undeniable Venture vale. A stretch I know